| Day 1: We meet at your town of departure to board our bus to O’Hare Airport, and check in for our flight to Baltimore. Upon arrival in Baltimore, we are transferred to Annapolis the capital of Maryland, to unpack once for a six-night stay at the Radisson Annapolis. (D)
Day 2: After breakfast we will depart on a tour of Annapolis to include the Maryland State House. Then, visit the U.S. Naval Academy, founded by John Paul Jones. You will see his tomb and watch the aspiring officer’s line up in formation for a fascinating “changing of the guards.” Enjoy free time to explore the waterfront shops at City Dock before our dinner at Pusser’s Landing. (B, D)
Day 3: Today we will travel to the nation’s capital for a highlights tour of the White House Grounds and Visitor Center, a trolley tour of Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean and Vietnam War memorials and the brand new World War II Memorial with a drive by the U.S. Capital Building. Then, you’ll see the 93rd annual Cherry Blossom Parade and Sakura Matsuri- Japanese Street Festival with marching bands from around the world, spectacular floats, costumed dance troupes, giant helium balloons and special celebrity guests. * (B, D)
Day 4: Your morning will be at leisure with lunch on your own. Then, for those who love the sea and want a taste of real Chesapeake Country, you’ll travel down the peninsula to the Piney Point Lighthouse, built in 1836 on the Potomac River. You will visit St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s 17th century capital, an exciting mix of colorful living-history and fascinating archaeology set in a beautiful tidewater landscape. Then, continue on to Solomon’s Island for a visit to the Drum Point Lighthouse on the grounds of the Calvert Marine Museum with dinner at eh Lighthouse Inn. On your return, you will top off the evening with an illumination tour of the capital, surely the most beautiful city in the world. (B, D)
Day 5: Travel to Fort McHenry for a film on Frances Scott Key and the writing of the “Star Spangled Banner” here. You will enjoy an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at Philips Harborplace on the waterfront. Then, explore the fascinating National Aquarium in Baltimore with breathtaking exhibits, a fun-filled dolphin show and more than 11,000 aquatic creatures from Chesapeake Bay to the depths of the Amazon rain forest. (B, L)
Day 6: This morning after breakfast we take the bridge across the bay to St. Michaels, a restored fishing village with lots of picture-taking possibilities. See the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and the Hooper Strait Lighthouse on the grounds. After lunch on your own, enjoy a private boat ride from Tilghman Island past the scenic shores of Chesapeake Bay. This evening, celebrate your tour with a Farewell Dinner at eh Middleton Tavern, and historic 1750s tavern on the dock (B, D)
Day 7: After breakfast and check out we will be transferred back to the airport for our flight back home to Chicago. (B)
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| Air Transportation |
| We will use a major airline from Chicago to Baltimore round trip – the flight might operate either out of O’Hare or from Midway Airport. |
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| Hotels |
Annapolis –
The Radisson
Annapolis (6 nights) |
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| Travel Insurance |
| The cost of this trip includes full third-party insurance which covers trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, medical coverage and coverage against financial default of all suppliers including the airlines used. The medical coverage also covers pre-existing medical conditions. |
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B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
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The salty breezes of Chesapeake Bay and the beauty